Behind the scenes at Sonny Bill Williams photo shoot
1:38

Take a behind the scenes look at Sonny Bill Williams' latest shoot with adidas.

Fox Sports

05 May 2014

Sport/NRL/NRL Premiership/Previews & Reviews

Sonny Bill Williams poses for a portrait after adidas announced he has become one of their global ambassadors.Source: News Limited

THE NRL is losing much more than just a footy player at the end of the season. They’ve lost a universal brand.

On Monday Sonny Bill Williams became the first player in rugby league history to be signed by adidas on a global ambassador deal, joining the likes of international superstars David Beckham, Lionel Messi, Andy Murray and NBA star Derrick Rose, who are all on multi-million dollar deals with the sportswear giants.

When it comes to my private life with my family, I always try to keep it private - Sonny Bill Williams

Sonny Bill Williams poses for a portrait after Adidas announced he has become one of their global ambassadors.Source: News Limited

While the above are all genuine one-sport superstars, it was SBW’s incredible all-round talent with two NRL premierships, a rugby union World Cup, a Super Rugby title and an undefeated six-fight boxing career that attracted the marketing gurus of adidas.

While his agent Khoder Nasser would not comment on the financial details, it is believed the richest contract ever offered to an Australian-based footballer from any code.

Only the likes of Olympic gold medallists Ian Thorpe and Sally Pearson have had international sponsorship with adidas.

Sonny Bill Williams poses for a portrait after Adidas announced he has become one of their global ambassadors.Source: News Limited

Q: How does it feel to be recognised internationally, not just in the NRL?

A: It’s awesome actually and it’s a privilege to be signed up with the other guys who are with adidas.

The fact it’s a global contract is massive for me. They’ve got some really big names in world sport.

The most humbling part is that it’s just not an endorsement deal where you just pick up free gear. It’s special.

Q: Okay Sonny, I’ve got to ask you about my recent Sunday Tele story on your secret marriage. Why the secret — you could have got a lot of money if you’d gone to a magazine at the time.

A: To be honest when it comes to my private life with my family, I always try to keep it private because every other aspect of my life is so out there in the media.

One thing I will say is whatever I try to do in my personal life I try to do it for myself religiously right. The halal way, in Islam, which means the right way. That’s all I’ll say. In regards to being married, that’s something I’ll keep to myself.

SBW holidays in Bali after not being selected for the Kiwis
0:20

Sonny Bill Williams is taking it easy in Bali with family this week after not being selected to play for New Zealand in the ANZAC test match against Australia.

Fox Sports

30 Apr 2014

Sport/NRL/NRL Premiership/Previews & Reviews

Q: With respect, there are rumours around that your wife is pregnant.

A: I think I’ve just answered that question.

Q: Fair enough. You’re going back to rugby union. What do you think of Benji coming back to NRL and not making it in rugby.

A: When he went to rugby union I thought it was going to be tough for him when I heard he was going try to play No.10 (five-eighth).

It’s a lot tougher transition to make than being an outside back. A finisher is naturally born for the position. You try to beat a couple of blokes and score. Being a decisive player in the team where you have to make quick calls, and step up, lead the team around, that’s hard.

It was sad to see him come back and not go as well as he hoped. Hopefully he gets an NRL team soon and we get to play against him.

A: I’m not too sure if anyone would have me (laugh) I might be a bit too old.

It’s going to be hard to leave. It’s tough. When I came back last year I still felt I was a rugby union player. Now I feel like I’ve fallen in love with rugby league again.

Q: Well, why are you leaving. Was it all about money.

A: A lot of people tried to play that card about the money. For me it’s about putting myself in situations where I want to challenge myself. I’m 28 now and I’d only like to play into my early 30’s. I want to be able to run around with my kids.

I’ve had a successful career but I won’t be a player who just hangs around.

The way rugby league is these days, the boys are so big and so physical, it takes a toll on your body - Sonny Bill Williams

A: It’s a tough one. Rugby league players probably aren’t on as much as AFL players. The way rugby league is these days, the boys are so big and so physical, it takes a toll on your body.

It’s tough because you’ve got the average players and they deserve their share. They’ve got families and commitments too.

Q: Is there one player in the NRL you really admire, respect or fear.

A: You play teams with strong forward packs every week. There’s always a little bit of fear. The fear brings out the best in you. They’re all great players. I couldn’t single out just one.

In fact I love playing against the young guys coming up. They’ve had a few good games and they want to test themselves against you. I remember when I was young and what it meant to me. I love watching Souths and Manly play. They’re tough clubs.

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